2021 RAM 1500 TRX CREW CAB 4X4

2021 RAM 1500 TRX THE ULTIMATE

IN PERFORMANCE PICKUP TRUCKS

Considering it was Dodge that “went nuclear” in the horsepower wars when it introduced 707-horsepower Hellcat versions of its Charger sedan and Challenger coupe for 2015, it should be no surprise that it was their cohorts at the company’s truck division brought that kind of power to the pickup segment with the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX.

Billed as “the quickest, fastest and most powerful mass-produced truck in the world” in a company release, the Ram (formerly Dodge Ram) 1500 TRX gets a max 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque from its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine.

Is it a HEMI? Of course, it’s a HEMI.

Premium fuel is required, and fuel economy, so to speak, is 10 miles per gallon city, 14 highway and 12 combined, though with a 33 gallon tank, you  won’t be filling up quite as often as you might ordinarily think.

The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a 2-speed transfer case and settings for snow, sport, mud-sand, rock, and baja (for maximum performance capability on undulating, loose surfaces).

The TRX zips from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and zero to 100 in 10.9, just in case you’re in a hurry.

And there’s also a launch control feature for even more quicker get-aways.

If you are concerned about attendants sneaking it out while you’re inside thje restaurant to see what 702 horsepower feels like, no worries. Valet Mode limits horsepower and torque by limiting rpm to 4000 and also disabling launch mode, paddle shifter operation, and drive mode options.

Offered in crew cab configuration, the interior Ram 1500 TRX offers a plethora of passenger space with 45.2 inches of legroom for the three rear-seat riders with 63.4 inches of hip room in each row.

The TRX interior is mucho upscale. Vinyl/cloth front bucket seats are standard with leather seating surfaces available. The infotainment system knocks it out of the park with a 12-inch display for navigation and numerous other UConnect functions arranged in an easy-to-use manner.

Standard safety features include forward collision alert, high-performance brakes, a class IV trailer hitch, and the usual collection of airbags, including side-curtain protection.

If you like (and can afford them), numerous option packages take the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX to an even higher level.

A Level Two Equipment group includes all the features found in Level One (8-way power adjustable leather bucket seats, heated front seats and steering wheel, 360-degree Surround View camera, rear defroster, rear underseat storage, and rain-sensing wipers) along with keyless entry with push-button start, front and rear parking sense systems, integrated electronic brake controller, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross path and trailer detection, power adjustable peddle with memory, LED bed lighting, wireless charging pad, heated second-row seats, a power tailgate release, and remote start.

A Technology Package includes a head-up display for the driver, rear-view auto-dimming mirror, and LED center high-mounted stop lamp, and a TRX Carbon Fiber package includes a leather and carbon-fiber flat-bottom steering wheel and carbon fiber interior accents.

My Ram 1500 TRX for the week also had other extras like a premium Harman Kardon sound system and a tonneau cover for the 5-foot, 7-inch bed that ran the total MSRP from the $69,995 start to $87,170 including the $1,695 destination charge.

Upon spotting this in my driveway, a friend of mine asked if the Ram 1500 TRX slept four. I told him it probably could and that adds a bonus: You can always sleep in your truck, you can’t drive your house.

What I liked about the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX: It offers not only numerous infotainment functions, they all are very user friendly. The display screen  takes up virtually the entire center stack. The cabin is roomy and has a premium feel. Space in the second row of the crew cab is very generous.

What I didn’t like about the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX: My major issue for full-size pickup is the size. While great for trips on expressways, things can get crowded in a hurry on crowded city streets and especially when hunting for a parking space in a mall lot.

Would I buy the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX? As I have stated before, I have no need for a pickup, especially one of this size. If you need one, however, the Ram 1500 definitely needs to be on your list and if you want power and 4X4 performance, the TRX trim is a solid choice. Ram has made what once was a Ford vs. Chevy duel a three-way competition in the pickup segment.